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About Matthew Wayne Selznick

Matthew Wayne Selznick is a fiction and non-fiction author, editor, creator, and consultant living in Long Beach, California. Best known for his award-nominated first novel Brave Men Run, he writes in a variety of genres and storyworlds. In his blog Scribtotum and podcast Sonitotum, he provides opinion, advice, and recommendations on staying human while creating a successful and healthy writing life, as well as personal insights, reflections, and observations.

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Do you have any kind of responsibility for what you create? Do you have a certain, specific, responsibility as a creator?

I think about the artist’s responsibility a lot, and it’s on my mind every time a comedian or filmmaker comes under fire for the work they create. So in this episode, I lay it all out and define the artist’s responsibility.

It’s a bit different from, but kin to, James Baldwin’s interpretation. With all due respect, his version might even be a subset of mine. Listen and see what you think.

Before I get into the main topic, I give you a quick run down of what’s been happening in my life creatively and professionally, and how to find out more.

Links and Topics Mentioned In This Episode

Here are some of the things I talk about in this episode, including a few links to sites with which I have an affiliate relationship. I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase products through those links. It’s a lovely way to show your support for Sonitotum!

Hazy Days and Cloudy Nights is my ongoing serial fiction project set in my Sovereign Era storyworld and featuring characters from my novels Brave Men Run and Pilgrimage. Read the first three installments for free, then become a patron to catch up with the rest and read new installments every two weeks!

Filmmaker James Gunn was fired from Disney after alt-right media personality and conspiracy theorist Mike Cernovich (the same man who helped bring widespread attention to the “pizzagate” fake conspiracy that nearly got people killed) brought attention to several deleted tweets Gunn had posted in 2009 and long since apologized for.

Get Almost 26% More Content!

My patrons get exclusive, early access to the uncut / unexpurgated version of Sonitotum a few days before it goes out to the rest of the world. Their version of this episode has eight minutes thirty seven seconds (about 26% more) with even more insight and reflection on the artist’s responsibility.

Making the Episode

Every episode of Sonitotum takes hours and hours — usually between five and seven, sometimes and much as eight — to record, edit, and produce, including writing these show notes and creating the graphics and social media assets.

Equipment and Software

For those who are interested (folks sometimes ask), here’s what I used (and use) to make this episode. I have affiliate arrangements with some of these products and services. If you make a purchase when you click through using my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to help support the podcast… so thank you!

Share Your Thoughts on the Artist’s Responsibility

After listening to this episode, you know I have strong opinions regarding the artist’s responsibility. Do you agree? Do you have a different view? Speak up about it, or… you know what? I’m just going to assume you’re with me 100%! Let’s hear from you in the comments!